Formula One news

Disappointing qualifying for Spyker

Spyker today had a fairly disappointing Qualifying session at the Shanghai International Circuit. After scoring its first point at last week's Japanese Grand Prix, the team had been hoping for more this weekend, however a combination of a slippery track and a car balance set up in anticipation of tomorrow's expected rain conspired to put Adrian Sutil and Sakon Yamamoto in 21st and 22nd positions respectively for tomorrow's Chinese Grand Prix.

"We were hoping for maybe one more place today," said Sutil. "The lap was OK and the car balance seemed good, but no one made a mistake and I think this was our maximum today. We just need more top speed as we are losing a lot on the straights, although hopefully in the race we will pick up some more places. In general I don't think that this circuit suits the car and I'll be hoping for a wet race tomorrow."

Sakon Yamamoto commented, "This is a bit disappointing for us. My car balance didn't really improve from yesterday and we tried to do our best, but the lap time showed we still have a lack of speed. I don't know what to expect for tomorrow but as we think it will be a wet race, we might be OK. We know we can do better in these conditions, so we are going to look at the data and hope for more tomorrow."

Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer added, "Today was reaonably disappointing as we are not as competitive as we have been over the past few races. But with the expected conditions tomorrow, we compromised the set up to take into account the predicted rain and I am sure we will be more competitive in the race as we always are."

more news

• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas

Homepage